L1 Flashcards
give me a definition of ethics
branch of philosophy that tries to understand familiar types of evaluation. Moral evaluation of character traits, conduct and institutions.
what are the two theories suggesting ethics is subjective.
Radical subjectivism and moral relativism
what is radical subjectivism, and why may it be challenged
ethics are a matter of personal taste, correct ethical behaviour is whatever you think it is. This would mean noone has any basis for condemning anyone else for anything.
what is moral relativism and what does it mean for criticising others
different cultures have different beliefs about morality, these change over time. What is right or wrong at given place or time depends on peoples beliefs in that place and time Often due to power dynamics, where all reformers are wrong. We cannot criticise other societies for anything.
what is moral objectivism
there are facts about morality which are true for all cultures at all times. However, philosophers have failed to agree on a set of objective moral facts.
banking examples of moral objectivism
In 80s, one banks employment manual stated that staff had to get formal approval to get married.
what are the three approaches of reasoning about ethics
appeal to theory, appeal to a specific moral commitment, appeal to an analogous case. all three depend on an appeal to some moral commitment from other person.
what are the three ethical theories studied
deontology, consequentialism, virtue theory
what is deontology (& person)
duty based. act is ethical if it conforms to certain universal duties. Immanuel Kant.
what is consequentialism (& person)
act is ethical if it produces best overall consequences. utilitarianism. John Stuart Mill.
what is virtue theory (& person)
act is ethical if it is the act that a virtuous person would make. Aristotle.
difference between moral reasoning and prudential reasoning
moral reasoning is doing right or wrong, prudential is acting in self interest.
case of BB&T bank
During subprime mortgage lending crisis, BB&T refused to issue bad subprime mortgages and remained profitable throughout GFC. CEO said never do anything that is bad for clients, it will come back to haunt you.
tell me about utilitarianism and who developed it
John Stuart Mill. ‘the greatest happiness principle’ believes that most people have a basic desire for unity and harmony with fellow humans. companies use forsn of utilitarianism such as cost benefit analysis and risk assessment
what are Kantian ethics and who developed them
Immanuel Kant. Morality of an action depends on universal moral law, not on the consequences of the action. Deontology.
